Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?


Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, commonly known as CBT, is a widely used and evidence-based talking therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. The core idea is that by changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, one can improve one's feelings.

CBT focuses on the uncomfortable symptoms in the "here and now" rather than delving deeply into your past. It aims to help you identify unhelpful or distorted thoughts, challenge them, and develop more balanced ways of thinking. This, in turn, can lead to healthier behaviours and emotional well-being.

CBT is structured, practical, and goal-oriented, and it’s typically designed to be a short- to medium-term treatment.

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How Can CBT Help?

CBT is effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. It can help you:

Understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions

Recognise and challenge negative or unrealistic thoughts

Replace unhelpful behaviours with healthier coping strategies

Build problem-solving and resilience skills

Reduce symptoms of distress and improve day-to-day functioning

The goal of CBT isn’t just to think positively—it’s to think realistically and to develop tools you can use to respond to life’s difficulties in more constructive ways.

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What Should I Expect If I Try CBT?

If you decide to attend CBT sessions, you can expect a structured and collaborative approach. You might:

Explore specific problems or situations that are troubling you

Learn how to identify automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions (like catastrophising or all-or-nothing thinking)

Practice skills for changing these thoughts and behaviours

Work with your therapist to set goals and track your progress

Complete brief exercises or “homework” between sessions to reinforce what you’re learning

Use worksheets, thought records, or activity plans to support change

CBT is active and practical—you’ll be encouraged to take what you learn and apply it in real life. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of psychology; just a willingness to look at your thoughts and behaviours honestly and try out new ways of responding.

CBT can empower you to feel more in control of your life—not by avoiding difficulties, but by learning how to respond to them with greater clarity and confidence.

Therapists who offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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